News about Biodiversity

Eske Willerslev found the past in two grams of soil. His finding gives us a window into the future

As a student, Professor Eske Willerslev had an idea: He wanted to extract DNA directly from the soil. This has led to major scientific breakthroughs and an entire new research field, eDNA, for which he now receives one…

Eske Willerslev found the past in two grams of soil. His finding gives us a window into the future

As a student, Professor Eske Willerslev had an idea: He wanted to extract DNA directly from the soil. This has led to major scientific breakthroughs and an entire new research field, eDNA, for which he now receives one…

Nordic biodiversity took center stage in Copenhagen

On 11-12 December 2024, University of Copenhagen hosted a workshop in the nordic biodiversity framework with researchers from Iceland, Finland, and Denmark on advancing nordic collaboration for biodiversity protection.

SUND receives DKK 15M for sustainable development research in the Arctic

Three SUND research projects receive funding from DFF to strengthen sustainable development in the Arctic.

Two new DFF grants on arctic research awarded to Globe researchers

Two new grants to explore the adaptations and use of ancient sled dogs in SW Greenland and recent demographic changes in Arctic whales

AI can now be our eyes and ears in the forest and beneath the waves

Animal sounds combined with artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize biodiversity monitoring both on land and in aquatic settings according to researchers from the University of Copenhagen. By analyzing wildlife…

Seven New Frog Species Discovered in Madagascar: Sounds Like Something from Star Trek

An international team of researchers have discovered seven new species of tree frogs that make otherworldly calls in the rainforests of Madagascar. Their strange, high-pitched whistling calls sound more like sound…

How can we effectively monitor the world’s tree resources down to the level of individual trees?

TreeSense focuses on the critical role of trees in terrestrial ecosystems, such as climate regulation, biodiversity support and local livelihoods. Both climate change and human management have drastically altered tree…

Fungus gnat entombed in a 40-million-year-old piece of amber is a rare gem

A Danish amber collector’s find upon a wild North Sea shore in the 1960’s has proved to be of great and surprising significance. After having thoroughly examining the roughly 40-million-year-old piece of amber,…

Cloud forests with Prof. Kelly Tonello

The word "cloud forest" may sound foreign to many, but it is an important and essential ecosystem for biodiversity and surrounding ecosystems, albeit a small one on the global scale.

Climate change and land use impact local bird populations

Based on millions of bird observations, a new study shows how shifts in climate and land use are reshaping bird communities across Denmark.

Climate change and land use impact local bird populations

Based on millions of bird observations, a new study shows how shifts in climate and land use are reshaping bird communities across Denmark.

World Biodiversity Forum in Davos: The potential for nature-based solutions

FutureArcticLives' Maria Pettersson presented Work Package 4 research at the World Biodiversity Forum in Davos in June 2024.

Spotted apex predator being pressured by spotted pack hunters – and it's our fault

Leopards, who are already in decline, can’t keep up with hyenas when people are around. As we humans move into the their territories more and more, we are helping to disturb and unbalance ecosystems. This has been shown…

Extinction of the woolly rhinoceros

In PNAS by Fordham, D.,... Rahbek, C., Nogués-Bravo, D. & Lorenzen, E.D. (2024)

Shedding light on the extinction of the woolly rhinoceros

Climate change has previously been pointed out as the sole reason to the extinction of woolly rhinoceros'. But now, researchers are now able to determine that human activity contributed to the iconic species’ demise.

Natural hazards threaten over three thousand species

Natural hazards can speed up the extinction process of land animals that have limited distribution and/or small populations. But there is hope to turn the negative development around, says researchers behind new study.

500 million DKK to research in resilient crops and ecosystems

New research project harnesses environmental DNA to understand how we can transform future cropping systems and to develop resilient crops in the face of climate change. The project is led by UCPH Professor Eske…

500 million DKK to research in resilient crops and ecosystems

New research project harnesses environmental DNA to understand how we can transform future cropping systems and to develop resilient crops in the face of climate change. The project is led by UCPH Professor Eske…

AI method reveals millions of dead trees hidden among the living before California’s historic 2020 wildfires

University of Copenhagen scientists may have found a new explanation for the California wildfires of 2020. Applying AI to detailed aerial photos, they created a unique dataset detailing mortality down to single trees fo…

Human activity contributed to woolly rhinoceros’ extinction

An international team of researchers, led by scientists from the University of Copenhagen and University of Adelaide, used computer modelling to make the discovery, shedding light on a mystery that has captivated…

New report published on Danish nature

New report from Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate shows concrete ways to ensure Denmark's biodiversity by creating large, interconnected natural areas.

Ny rapport: Mere, bedre og større natur i Danmark

Ny rapport viser konkrete veje til at sikre Danamrks biodiversitet gennem etablering af store sammenhængende naturområder.

Iconic savanna mammals face genetic problems due to fences and roads

Wildebeest migrations have become a rarer sight in Africa as humans continue to interrupt their historic migratory routes with roads, fences, cities, livestock and farmland. This has led to genetic decay in those herds…